Give the teens a place they can call their own

Hi friends! As many of you know I work at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. I have been part of the team for 7 years now (time flies when you're having fun!!!) with over 20 years of experience of working with at risk youth in total - I know I have totally aged myself!

I have always been extremely passionate about supporting young people and providing them with opportunities to reach their full potential and beyond!

Over the past few months I have been extremely excited in working on a new teen site for high school students in Laguna. Currently there is no safe, supervised space for teens to hang out, study and just be.

As we know COVID has been really challenging for all of us, especially teens. They have not been in high school since March 2020. They have been hit hard emotionally and socially by the pandemic and we won't really know the true effects it will have on them for many years to come, on  top of facing countless other challenges.  Many would envisage idyllic teenage years growing up in this coastal and affluent city. However, with the lack of targeted services, safe supervised places to hang out and constructive activity, teens are beholden to a number of risk behaviors.   Data from the Mission Hospital Community Needs Assessment details the needs of teens in Laguna Beach, which include high numbers of substance misuse, feelings of hopelessness and suicidal ideation. This why now, more than ever that we develop this site, and give them as space to be teenagers under the supervision of high quality staff.  

Youth voice has always been important to my work, and I have been lucky enough to with an incredible group of high schools who have formed our Youth Leadership Committee. They are leading this development, in creating a place they can call their own.

The Port (named by our teen leadership council) is situated in Lang Park, Wesley Drive, the perfect location for the beach, outdoor space in the park and a few steps away from high schoolers favourite La Sirena Grill!

Our teens have an incredible vision for the space:

Coffee & Chill Hub 

Teens in Laguna have expressed and reported there is nowhere in Laguna they can just chill with friends, there is not a place where they can relax and forget about the stresses of schoolwork. They are keen on having a coffee shop vibe where they can grab a drink and chat to friends, perhaps do some work if they need to but mainly a spot where they can just chill.  

CCC Service Hub 

Community Service and College are two big stressors for our teens.

The money raised in my campaign will help their vision come alive! it will help furnish the space and help it become the place to hang out at in town. It will also help in launching our services dedicated to our high schoolers.